Magarey Medal 2021: All the glitz and glamour from the red carpet

The state’s top footballers took a back seat to their glamorous better halves as the SANFL’s answer to the Brownlow, the Magarey Medal, returned to Adelaide Oval.

James Tsitas and Indi Haintz. Picture: Tom Huntley

The state’s top footballers took a back seat to their glamorous better halves as the SANFL’s answer to the Brownlow, the Magarey Medal, returned to Adelaide Oval.

After a virtual presentation was held last year due to the pandemic, more than 350 players and guests attended tonight’s black-tie count, which crowns the local league’s best and fairest performer over the home-and-away season.

As usual, it was the wives and partners of the players who shone brightest on arrival, showcasing their fabulous frocks and gorgeous gowns on the red carpet.

Luke Habel and Sarah Habelon. Picture: Tom Huntley

Harrison Wigg and Erin Sundstrom. Picture: Tom Huntley

Mitch Clisby and Sarah White. Picture: Tom Huntley

Jarred Allmond and Bonnie Allmond. Picture: Tom Huntley

One of the pre-count favourites, former Crow-now-South Adelaide star Bryce Gibbs, walked the ruby rug with his wife Lauren.

The ex-model wore an embroidered tulle gown by leading Adelaide designer Cristina Tridente, with full circle skirt, fitted bodice and frill sleeve detail in soft pastel tones with pops of red and turquoise flowers.

Tom Lewis and Lucy Robinson. Picture: Tom Huntley

Abaina Davis and Katriona. Picture: Tom Huntley

Jarrod Lienert and Dusty Rodda. Picture: Tom Huntley

Lauren, who was styled by Adelaide’s Lauren Dilena, admitted she usually feels “some nerves” on the red carpet.

“But it’s just great to be able to dress up again and go to an event, and celebrate the year,” she said.

Bryce, who played 268 AFL matches for Carlton and the Crows, said his wife always “stole the show” at black-tie events.

Martin Frederick and Jasmine Christie. Picture: Tom Huntley

Abbey Dolling and James Battersby. Picture: Tom Huntley

Campbell Combe and Phoebe Seal. Picture: Tom Huntley

Laura Gifford and Aiden Grace. Picture: Tom Huntley

Bryce Gibbs and Lauren Gibbs. Picture: Tom Huntley

“She outdoes me all the time – I’m used to it by now,” he said. “She looks beautiful as always.”

Woodville-West Torrens ball magnet James Tsitas was joined by partner Indi Haintz, who wore a dress by Wildchild Stylelab, for SANFL’s night of nights.

“She looks absolutely stunning,” Tsitas said.

Michael Knoll and Tiffany Knoll. Picture: Tom Huntley

Daniel Fahey-Sparks and Emma-Mei Hamill. Picture: Tom Huntley

Will Coomblas and Tess Clements. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I’m definitely batting above my average.”

Tsitas’ Eagles teammate Jack Hayes, Glenelg duo Luke Partington and Matthew Snook, and 2020 winner, North Adelaide’s Campbell Combe, are among the top fancies to take home this year’s medal.

The event will be broadcast live on 7mate from 8.30pm.